Priests for Life

May 13, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Leslie Palma

347-286-7277

NEW YORK, NY -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following statement this morning:

“Today marks one year since the conviction of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell, who killed children before and after birth, and killed their mothers as well. I remember vividly the arguments in the courtroom, and how consistent these crimes are with what we see in abortion clinics throughout the nation, as detailed in the book Lime 5.

“Today we also join the voices of many in the U.S. Senate and across America in calling for a Senate vote on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This legislation, which would protect children in the womb from 20 weeks forward, is the next key step in reaching our ultimate goal, which is the protection of every unborn child -- all of whom, without exception, we acknowledge as persons. Even among those who do not share that ultimate goal or belief, most agree that a policy allowing abortion after 20 weeks -- when these children feel pain -- is too extreme.

“Along with working for the passage of this legislation, Priests for Life is also implementing a project whereby each member of the U.S. Senate will be asked publicly whether he or she believes that the lives of children after 20 weeks of development should be protected in the womb. Priests for Life will see to it not only that this question is asked, but that the response -- or lack thereof -- is widely publicized in the state that senator represents, and across the country. Like it or not, the painful dismemberment of children in the womb is going to be a key issue in this year's midterm elections.

“Finally, Priests for Life is planning a national memorial service for the babies and moms who were killed by Kermit Gosnell. These babies were given names in a special ceremony last year at the headquarters of Priests for Life (see www.KermitGosnell.com). The Philadelphia Medical Examiner refused to release the bodies of these children for burial. But we can have a funeral service nevertheless, and we will be calling upon the support and participation of Churches, the pro-life community, and all citizens of good will.”

Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.